What’s the most important thing when it comes to choosing custom ROMs? There are many reasons you might want to choose one ROM over another, like aesthetics, stability, performance, or even support. However, with the wide variety of ROMs out there to choose from, it can be hard to find the best Android 11 GSI ROM for your low-end device. In this article, we’ll look at 8 of the most popular Android 11 GSI ROMs available and help you decide which one is right for you.
The Generic System Image (GSI) ROMs are the best way to experience pure Android experience and they are getting better with each new iteration. Even if you have an entry-level smartphone with an outdated processor and only 2GB of RAM or lesser, there’s no reason why you can’t install one of these amazing GSI ROMs and enjoy the latest software updates with some of the best customizations available right now.
Before we jump into the list of best Android 11 GSI ROMs, it’s important to note that these custom ROMs are not officially supported by Google or the OEMs and are only meant to provide an alternative experience to stock Android. They offer additional features, performance improvements, and enhanced user interfaces over their stock counterparts.
What is A GSI ROM?
GSI (Generic System Image) is a modified Android AOSP ROM that can be installed on any project treble-enabled device regardless of the OEM. GSIs are similar to custom ROMs, however, there are a few differences between the two.
Custom ROMs are device-specific ROM that cannot be flashed/installed on any other device except the devices they were compiled for. GSI, however, can run on any treble-enabled smartphone. Custom ROMs are also feature-rich compared to GSI and are constantly updated to meet the new Android standards.
Who Can Use A GSI ROM?
Anyone with a project treble-enabled Android device running Android 8.0 and later can flash/install a GSI on their device regardless of their hardware. That being said, you must back up all your data before proceeding to install a GSI ROM as any damage to your device will void your warranty (if applicable). So let’s check out the top 8 best Android 11 GSI ROMs for low-end devices.
Read also: How To Install GSI (Generic System Image) On Project Treble Devices
List Of Best Android 11 GSI ROM For Android in 2022
The criteria used for selecting the best Android 11 GSI ROMs on this page includes performance, battery management, stability, and security.
CAOS R
CAOS (Custom AOSP OS) R is one of the best GSI ROMs for Android devices. It is based on phussion’s treble GSI builds. CAOS focuses on performance and stability while offering few customization options. This makes it a great choice for low-end devices with limited resources.
Like every other GSI ROM, CAOS offers its Android 11 GSI for all treble Android variants in different gapps (Google apps) options. Plus, it’s regularly updated with the latest security patches and features. You’ll be able to enjoy the latest version of Android on your low-end device with CAOS.
LeOS
LeOS (Leaving eOS) is a privacy-focused ROM for anyone looking for a Google-free OS. It is a de-Googled ROM based on phussion’s treble GSI builds with great performance and stability.
There are many custom ROMs for Android devices, but none offers the level of privacy LeOS provides. Being a de-Googled ROM not only mean you won’t find any Google app on the device, but you also can’t install them as well. LeOS takes advantage of MicroG service to deliver a Google-like experience.
While you won’t find customization options like some custom ROMs, LeOS still offers a variety of features that can be customized to your needs. It is also regularly updated so you can always be sure you’re getting the latest security patches and new features.
LeOS is one of the best options for low-end devices because it is lightweight and has a simple interface. So, if you’re looking for a custom ROM that will give you a Google-free experience with great performance, LeOS is definitely worth considering.
CrDroid R Mod
Crdroid is one of the most popular custom ROMs for Android devices. CrDroid R Mod on the other hand is an unofficial build maintained by eremitein based on the official ROM. It is based on phussion’s treble builds and has a simple, clean interface with lots of customization options. Like all phussion’s treble builds, Crdroid R Mod boost device performance, it is stable and offers several security features.
CrDroid R Mod is one of the best Android 11 GSI ROM that still respects the custom ROM tradition (offering tons of customization options) without compromising on performance. If you’re looking for a feature-rich Android 11 GSI ROM for low-end Android devices, then, try CrDroid R Mod on your device.
LineageOS 18.1 (R Mod)
LineageOS is undoubtedly the most popular custom ROM for Android devices. In the past, it is popularly known as CyanogenMod before changing its name in 2016. It is the oldest Android ROM that is still in development. LineageOS is based on the Android Open Source Project and offers the close-to-stock Android experience.
LineageOS is also one of the few custom ROMs that are still regularly updated, it offers a variety of features and customization options. As of right now, there is no official release of LineageOS Android 11 GSI, but you can try out the unofficial build maintained by AndyYan or eremitein. The GSIs from both developers packs performance tweaks even for low-end devices, they are stable and can be used as a daily driver.
AOSP
If you’re looking for a stock Android experience with great performance on your low-end device, then AOSP (Android Open Source Project) is the best ROM to try. AOSP ROM is one of the most popular GSI ROM for Android devices since the emergence of project treble. It is the mother of most GSI ROMs that are available today and is maintained by phhusson.
AOSP ROM is not as feature-rich as some other custom GSI ROMs and can be a bit buggy (most of which you may not notice). However, it is a great option for those looking for a stable and lightweight custom ROM.
Corvus OS
Like Crdroid, Corvous OS is an AOSP based ROM that focuses on stability and performance while being a feature-rich ROM for Android devices. Corvus OS offers tons of customization options from themes to lockscreen, notifications, status bar and display.
If you’re looking for a custom ROM that will give you the latest and greatest Android experience on your low-end device, Corvus OS is the way to go. The last build release of this ROM was in December 2021, however, it is still one of the most stable custom GSI ROMs out there. So if you’re looking for a custom ROM that will give you a great experience on your low-end device with customization tweaks, you’ll find Corvus OS a great choice.
OctaviOS
OctaviOS is one of the best GSI ROMs I have tried. The OS is fast, stable and great on devices with limited resources. OctaviOS is an AOSP-based ROM that focuses on delivering a unique and smooth UI experience with handy of customization features.
OctaviOS is a reborn of pie-based PearlOS which was one of the best custom ROMs for Android devices. OctaviOS GSI development has been discontinued and the last stable release was in September 2021, however, if your device is officially supported on the ROM’s developer website, you will continue to get new Android updates.
Having used the ROM as a daily driver for more than 6 months, I can tell you it is one of the best ROM to install on your cheap hardware Android smartphone. The ROM has good memory management for multitasking and gaming and is also great on battery.
NusantaraProject
Nusantara ROM is one of the best lightweight GSI ROM you can install on your low-end device. The ROM offers the AOSP Android experience while giving you a plethora of customization options to shape the ROM as you like.
Nusantara GSI ROM was last updated in August 2021 but then you should check out NusantaraProject. This project aims to provide custom ROMs for a variety of devices, including low-end ones. The team behind this project is constantly working on new features and improvements, so you can expect great things from them in the future. In the meantime, here are seven of their best ROMs for low-end devices
Which Is The Best Android 11 GSI ROM For Low-end Devices?
To answer this, you need to ask yourself what you’re looking for in a ROM, if you’re looking for ROM focused on performance, then, you can choose from any of the listed GSI ROMs. However, I recommend you choose between CAOS, LineageOS, LeOS and OctaviOS.
Read also: 10 Best Android Download Manager Apps For 2022
For a more customizable experience, you have CrDroid, Corvus OS, NusantaraProject and OctaviOS. AOSP ROM on the other hand will give you the latest Android OS and security updates faster than any other ROM.
FAQs
What is the difference between Stock ROM and GSI ROM?
A Stock ROM is the default factory OS that comes preloaded with all Android smartphones. GSI ROMs on the other hand are modified AOSP ROMs that bring the custom ROM experience to treble-enabled Android devices.
How to install a GSI ROM?
You can install a GSI ROM using a custom recovery like TWRP or via ADB and fastboot. The whole process may sound complicated but it’s pretty easy and straightforward.
Will GSI ROMs boost device performance?
This can be true or false depending on your device. However, in most cases, installing a GSI ROM will increase your device performance as it will be bloatware free.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these are 8 of the best Android 11 GSI ROMs for low-end devices in 2022. All of these ROMs offer a variety of features and benefits that can improve the overall performance of your device. Be sure to research each one thoroughly before making a decision, as not all ROMs will be compatible with all devices. If you have any questions or need help choosing a ROM, feel free to reach out to us in the comment section.
Good morning, pls can you recommend a custom ROM for Samsung j4 core and Tecno pouvoir 3plus.
Thank you
For the Samsung J4 core, lineage OS would be the best choice. For the Tecno Pouvoir 3 Plus, however, you can install any of the ROM on our list.